Please read the part of the introductions written by our Board Chair and the executive director to taste the flavour of what 2024 was like for our team. Hope it incites you to read our 2024 Annual Report in full.

At a recent staff event, the analogy of a cocoon was offered, and it feels apt to describe the year. We have welcomed back Aleksandra from her sabbatical, to an organization that continues to grow quickly. With the privilege of acquiring more significant multi-year grants, we’ve been able to invest in our programs. Inside the cocoon, staff have been building out the necessary infrastructure to sustain the programs. Processes and documentation never seem to make the highlight reel, but they are so vital to being able to provide service over the long term." Heather Bigelow, Board Chair 

"In many traditional cultures, Pine trees represent flexibility, rootedness and longevity. I see SDC being deeply rooted in Waterloo Region communities, growing tall even in harsh conditions, yet bending under the gusts of the shifting social and economic conditions, never to break.

The last decade, we moved locations two times and changed our name, while witnessing an unprecedented growth. Our internal structure had to take an extra weight, while not being able to grow at the same speed. We will continue to evolve our leadership model, to build supports for the team, and grow our financial infrastructure." aleksandra petrovic, executive director